'Govt. must clean on Wal-Mart lobbying issue': D. Raja

New Delhi, Dec 10 (ANI): Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja on Monday said that a probe into the affairs of Wal-Mart becomes necessary given the serious nature of accusations.

"It is a serious matter. It amounts to bribery of politicians of their choice, bribery of bureaucrats of their choice. The government must come clean and explain what is the position. In fact during the debate, I raised this issue, Wal-Mart is known for its notoriety in subverting the domestic class, in resorting to illegalities and corrupt practices," said Raja.

"In fact, one of our party members who is a Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha has written a letter to the Prime Minister on this issue, and there is proof also according to the media reports," he added.

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Sitaram Yechury also echoed similar sentiments on the issue, and said that the government must order a probe into the matter in wake of the fresh evidence.

"The reasons are similar to those which we had been citing and were opposing it from the very beginning. Along with this, corruption cases are filed in the country's court against the Wal-Mart. So, a lot of money has been spent here," said Yechury.

"Now, we will not indulge in the blame game of who has received the money or by whom it has been given. We believe that it is the government's duty that when such evidences come out then an impartial enquiry should be initiated in the matter," he added.

In India, a new controversy has erupted over the decision to open up the vast retail sector to foreign supermarkets.

In the US, Wal-Mart has disclosed that it spent 25 million dollars or 125 crores in the last four years on lobbying for various projects including "enhanced market access for investment in India."

The Congress-led UPA Government won a vote in both houses of Parliament last week on its decision to allow Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in multi-brand retail. (ANI)